ABOUT Discover Max a Mia Ristorante - Avon, CT Since opening in 1991, Max a Mia has been named "Best New Restaurant" by Connecticut Magazine in its inaugural year and recognized as the "top-grossing restaurant in its size" by Restaurant Hospitality . The vision originally crafted by Richard Rosenthal and Brad Karsky aimed to deliver a casual yet authentic Italian bistro experience - one that quikcly became a touchstone in Greater Hartford.